Middle School
A Supportive Community for Grades 5-8 in an Independent School in Franklin, TN
Balancing Academics & Interpersonal Skills
In the BGA Middle School, we create an educational experience and learning environment that balances academics with the interpersonal skills needed for developing boys and girls of high character. We’ve curated a team who knows this age group and understands and cares for each one of our students, igniting their passions and encouraging them to play new sports, try new arts, and explore new interests.
Education Elevated: A Voice in Learning
Our faculty work with students to self-advocate and to further develop agency. The ability of our students to have a voice and choice in their learning is essential to their development of the critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to thrive in and to adapt to diverse environments. Learn more about Education Elevated at BGA.
Dynamic Curriculum
BGA Middle School offers a challenging college preparatory curriculum that prepares students for the rigor of our Upper School. Students actively experience their education through project-based learning, and developmentally responsive practices proactively nurture individual student strengths and needs as we imagine and define personal excellence for each child.
Community and Character
With small classes and weekly advisory, we know each student well. We recognize their unique strengths and weaknesses, and the entire BGA team – teacher, coach, advisor, grade-level team leader, counselor, and dean – works together to challenge students to become the best version of themselves.
Student Involvement
BGA understands teachable moments are everywhere, and we encourage our Middle School students to get involved and to explore their interests. We offer 30-plus clubs and organizations – chess club, student government, robotics club, rock band – and 13 athletic teams. Our fifth and sixth grade athletic teams operate on a no-cut policy, which allows students an opportunity to try their hand at any sport that interests them.
True Independence
The independent school experience at Battle Ground Academy is just that — independent. We are bound neither by specific cultural or religious beliefs nor government mandate to teach in only one way. This type of independence results in meaningful curricula based on the needs of the individual learners in our classrooms.
With small classes, weekly advisory, and ample extracurricular offerings, every student at BGA is known—well.
Middle School Leadership at Battle Ground Academy

Patrick Snead
Head of Middle School

John Millard
Assistant Head of Middle School, US Boys Soccer

Robert Mitchell
MS Athletic Director, MS History, MS Boys Soccer

Jeanna Reid
MS Counselor, MS Cheerleading
Middle School Administrative Team at Battle Ground Academy

Charles Carlisle
MS Math, 6th Grade Team Leader, US Volleyball Program Director

Dwayne Clemmons
MS Technology Coordinator, MS Computer Science

Tina DeLaughter
MS Nurse, Director of MS After Care

Angela Gist-Dowlen
MS English, MS Inclusion and Belonging Coordinator

Jama Keener
Administrative Assistant to the Head of Middle School

Reney McAtee
MS/US Math & MS Curriculum Coordinator: STEM and Mathematics

Christina Milon
MS History, MS Community Service Coordinator

Crockett Rodriguez
Dean of Curriculum and Instruction, MS Girls Basketball, MS Softball Head Coach

Richard Rodriguez
MS Learning Specialist, MS Baseball, US Football Wide Receiver Coach

Betsy Taylor
MS French, 8th Grade Team Leader

Tina Tutt
MS Theatre, 7th Grade Team Leader, MS Girls Basketball

Anne Vereen
MS History and Spanish, 5th Grade Team Leader, MS Tennis